Marc Isambard Brunel Collection

View of the (proposed) western archway of the Thames Tunnel, London, c1831. The Thames Tunnel, connecting Wapping and Rotherhithe, was the first underwater tunnel in the world

Isambard Kingdom Brunel, civil engineer, c1850s
Isambard Kingdom Brunel, English engineer, c1850s. Brunel surrounded by vignettes of some of his most significant projects - the steamships Great Eastern, Great Britain

A train coming out of the Thames Tunnel at Wapping
5307878 A train coming out of the Thames Tunnel at Wapping.; (add.info.: Engraving depicting a train coming out of the Thames Tunnel at Wapping)

Marc Isambard Brunel (oil on canvas)
2829709 Marc Isambard Brunel (oil on canvas) by Rippingille, Edward Villiers (1798-1859); 74.5x62 cm; Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, UK; eBristol Museums, Galleries & Archives; Given by Mrs Emily A

A little insect and a great idea (litho)
976590 A little insect and a great idea (litho) by Brock, Charles Edmund (1870-1938) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: A little insect and a great idea)

Brunel and a section of the Thames Tunnel (coloured engraving)
602462 Brunel and a section of the Thames Tunnel (coloured engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

The Thames Tunnel (engraving)
1616949 The Thames Tunnel (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Thames Tunnel. Illustration for The Illustrated London News, 1 April 1843)

Marc Isambard Brunel, 1798. Creator: Charles Balthazar Julien Fevret de Saint-Mé
Marc Isambard Brunel, 1798

Pathfinders - Sir Marc Isambard Brunel, c1812, (1922). Creator: James Northcote
Pathfinders - Sir Marc Isambard Brunel, c1812, (1922). Portrait of Sir Marc Isambard Brunel, British engineer and inventor (1769-1849)

Diving-Bell Used in the Construction of the Thames Tunnel, (c1878). Creator: Unknown
Diving-Bell Used in the Construction of the Thames Tunnel, (c1878). Diving bell being used to plug a hole in the bottom of the River Thames

The Thames Tunnel (as it appeared when originally opened for traffic), (c1872). The Thames Tunnel, connecting Wapping and Rotherhithe in London, was the first underwater tunnel in the world

The Thames Tunnel, London, 1827. Views of the Thames Tunnel: top, a cross section of the tunnel with the river above; centre

View of the entrance to the Thames Tunnel, London, 1854. Artist: Jules Louis Arnout
View of the entrance to the Thames Tunnel, London, 1854. The Thames Tunnel, connecting Wapping and Rotherhithe, was the first underwater tunnel in the world

View of the shield used in the construction of the Thames Tunnel, London, 1835. Artist
View of the shield used in the construction of the Thames Tunnel, London, 1835. The Thames Tunnel, connecting Wapping and Rotherhithe, was the first underwater tunnel in the world

Interior view of the Thames Tunnel, London, 1830. The Thames Tunnel, connecting Wapping and Rotherhithe, was the first underwater tunnel in the world

Thames Tunnel, London, 1827. Artist: T Blood
Thames Tunnel, London, 1827. Four views of the Thames Tunnel, showing a general view and section, along with sections showing construction workers and a carriage travelling through the tunnel

Plan, sections and elevations of the Thames Tunnel, London, 1835. Artist: E Turrell
Plan, sections and elevations of the Thames Tunnel, London, 1835. The Thames Tunnel, connecting Wapping and Rotherhithe, was the first underwater tunnel in the world

Construction of the Thames Tunnel, London, 1827. Artist: George Cooke
Construction of the Thames Tunnel, London, 1827. View showing the tunnel under construction and the diving bell which was used. The spire of St Mary, Rotherhithe can be seen in the distance

Thames Tunnel, London, 1835. Artist: John Harris
Thames Tunnel, London, 1835. The Thames Tunnel, connecting Wapping and Rotherhithe, was the first underwater tunnel in the world

Entrance to the Thames Tunnel at Wapping, London, 1836. The Thames Tunnel, connecting Wapping and Rotherhithe, was the first underwater tunnel in the world

The Thames Tunnel under construction, London, c1835. Cross section showing the Thames Tunnel, connecting Wapping and Rotherhithe, being built; with a view of its position beneath the River Thames

Plan and longitudinal section of the Thames Tunnel, London, 1842. The Thames Tunnel, connecting Wapping and Rotherhithe, was the first underwater tunnel in the world

Thames Tunnel, London, 19th century. The Thames Tunnel from Rotherhithe to Wapping was the most remarkable undertaking by the engineer and inventor Sir Marc Isambard Brunel (1769-1849)

Thames Tunnel, London, mid 19th century. Designed by Marc Isambard Brunel, the Thames Tunnel, connecting Wapping and Rotherhithe, was the first underwater tunnel in the world

Thames Tunnel, c1830. The Thames Tunnel from Rotherhithe to Wapping was the most remarkable undertaking by the engineer and inventor Sir Marc Isambard Brunel (1769-1849)

The Thames Tunnel, London, 1832. Cross-section of Marc Isambard Brunels double-arched masonry tunnel beneath the Thames. The Thames Tunnel, connecting Wapping and Rotherhithe

Tunneling shield used in the construction of the Thames Tunnel, London, 1842
Tunneling shield used in the construction of the Thames Tunnel, London, 1825-1843. Men at work in the tunneling shield, patented in 1818 by the tunnels designer, Marc Isambard Brunel

Construction of the Thames Tunnel, London, 1825-1843. Section of Marc Isambard Brunels tunnel showing men at work in the tunneling shield (right) while others take away spoil

The Thames Tunnel, London, c1825-c1845. Cross-section showing the position of Marc Isambard Brunels double-arched masonry tunnel in relation to the Thames

Shaft for descent to the entrance of the Thames Tunnel (view from the top), London, 1831. The Thames Tunnel, connecting Wapping and Rotherhithe, was the first underwater tunnel in the world

Marc Isambard Brunel, French engineer
Marc Isambard Brunel (1769-1849), French engineer. In 1793 Brunel fled France as a royalist refugee from the French Revolution. In 1799 he settled in England

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Marc Isambard Brunel, a visionary engineer ahead of his time, left an indelible mark on the world with his groundbreaking projects. One such marvel was the Thames Tunnel in London, a feat that showcased his engineering prowess and determination. In 1827, construction began on this ambitious project, aiming to connect Rotherhithe and Wapping beneath the mighty River Thames. The proposed western archway of the tunnel offered a glimpse into Brunel's grand vision for this subterranean marvel. Born in 1769, Marc Isambard Brunel possessed an innate genius that ran through generations as his son Isambard Kingdom Brunel followed in his footsteps. A portrait from the 1850s captures him as a distinguished civil engineer who revolutionized transportation infrastructure during the Victorian era. Another captivating oil painting from around 1835 immortalizes Sir Marc Isambard Brunel himself. The artist skillfully portrays him with an air of confidence and intellect befitting one of history's greatest engineers. A lithograph titled "A little insect and a great idea" symbolizes how even small creatures can inspire monumental innovations. It reflects Brunel's ability to think outside conventional boundaries and transform ideas into reality. One colored engraving showcases both Marc Isambard Brunel alongside a section of the awe-inspiring Thames Tunnel. This image encapsulates their intertwined destinies as they worked tirelessly to overcome numerous challenges during its construction. The completed Thames Tunnel finally opened for traffic in 1872 after years of perseverance and dedication by countless individuals involved in its creation. An engraving depicting it as it originally appeared stands testament to their collective achievement. Charles Balthazar Julien Fevret de Saint-Mé captured Marc Isambard Brunel's likeness in an exquisite portrait dating back to 1798 when he was just starting out on his path towards greatness. Little did anyone know then what incredible contributions he would make throughout his lifetime.